Sigma Alpha Iota was founded at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan in April 1903 by seven women: Elizabeth Campbell, Nora Crane Hunt, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Georgina Potts, Minnie Davis Sherill, Mary Storrs Andersen, and Frances Caspari. Guided by Mrs. Fredreka Howland, who suggested that a Sorority be founded to promote high standards of personal character, the highest standards of music, and for close bonds of friendship. "The Seven" met in the home of Elizabeth Campbell on the afternoon of June 12th, 1903, and founded Sigma Alpha Iota International Professional Fraternity For Women. And so, Sigma Alpha Iota International Professional Fraternity For Women was founded that afternoon with Minnie M. Davis as the first president, Elizabeth Campbell vice president, and Frances Caspari as treasurer.
Sigma Alpha Iota Symphony
•To study and practice the goodness of life, the beauty of art, the meaning of music.
•To sing the song of sincerity and universal peace.
•To speak the words that build, that bless and comfort.
•To play the harpstrings of loving kindness, tolerance, appreciation, and genuine gratitude.
•To strive for the joy of simplicity, for the noble, to be faithful over a few things.
•To listen, to be still and know the harmony from within.
•To falter never in seeking loving service, wisdom, and understanding.
•In a word, to be loyal to Sigma Alpha Iota and her teachings; to find joy, hope, inspiration; to remember that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" and "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men."
•And again to practice.
•This is to be our Symphony.
-Esther Requarth, Nu
(From the Sigma Alpha Iota National Website)
We will honor the courage of our seven founders by striving to attain the National Objectives.
1. Lifelong commitment to SAI through active membership in collegiate and alumnae
chapters and the National Alumnae Association.
2. Effective communication among all levels of the fraternity.
3. Increased understanding of the meaning and significance of our ritual.
4. Furthering the outreach of Philanthropies through project participation and financial
contributions.
5. Embracing the talents and diversity of our sisterhood through collaboration with others.
6. Enhance music education in schools and the community through support and advocacy.
7. Performing the music of Sigma Alpha Iota at fraternity functions.
Speak With Love
Appreciate The Past
Invest in the Future
The badge of Sigma Alpha Iota. It features the seven pipes of Pan surrounded by a wreath of pearls with the letters "Sigma", "Alpha", and "Iota" on backgrounds of black enamel.
The crest of Sigma Alpha Iota. It features the fraternity's colors and symbols (sword, roses, and Pan pipes) (scarlet and white) and open motto; "Vita Brevis, Ars Longa", or "Life is Short, but Art is Long".
The red rose is the flower of Sigma Alpha Iota. Roses are very important to members of SAI. Roses are given to members of SAI on several occaisons, and can be seen on the Fraternity's crest.
